Related Conditions

Spine problems in Children

Contact the Orthopedic Center

We're fortunate that Boston Children's is large enough that we can sub-specialize. We're able to make real advances in our respective fields by concentrating on our sub-specialties, like spine or hips, rather than every surgeon doing every procedure. This way, we can offer advanced techniques that you won't see in volume at other institutions.

Spinal Program Team, Boston Children's Hospital Orthopedic Center

If your baby or child has been diagnosed with a spinal problem—from a complex congenital (present at birth) condition to a less severe overuse injury—we know that you and your family are under stress. So, at Children’s Hospital Boston, we’ll approach your child’s treatment with sensitivity and support—for your child and your whole family.

If your child’s condition is serious, you can have peace of mind knowing that the team in the Boston Children's Spinal Program has treated a large volume of spinal problems that few pediatric hospitals have seen—and can provide expert diagnosis, treatment and care.

The Boston Children's Hospital approach

Boston Children’s Spinal Program is known for clinical innovation, research and leadership. We offer the most advanced diagnostics and treatments—several of which were pioneered and developed by our own researchers and clinicians.

One of the first comprehensive programs, Boston Children’s Orthopedic Center is the largest and busiest pediatric orthopedic surgery center in the United States, performing more 6,000 surgical procedures each year. Our program is the nation’s preeminent care center for children and young adults with developmental, congenital, neuromuscular and post-traumatic problems of the musculoskeletal system.

Some of our team’s unique accomplishments include our:

development of the Boston Brace, a custom bracing system widely used throughout the United States and Europe

success with the Expansion Thoracostomy and VEPTR™(vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib) procedure: In 1998, Children’s was selected as a site for the first extensive VEPTR use outside San Antonio, where it was developed. Boston Children’s has the second most extensive VEPTR experience in the nation.

Each year, our Spinal Program caregivers provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, consultation, treatment and follow-up care for children during more than 6,000 outpatient visits. And every year, our orthopedic surgeons perform more than 300 spine procedures on babies, children, adolescents and young adults.

We offer orthopedic care in lots of places

Boston Children’s physicians provide orthopedic care—including for scoliosis and other spine problems—at locations in Lexington, Peabody, Weymouth and Waltham, as well as at our main campus in Boston.

If you come from far away, we can help

As an international pediatric orthopedics center, Children’s treats young patients from all over the world. Our International Center assists families residing outside the United States: we facilitate the medical review of patient records; coordinate appointment scheduling; and help families with customs and immigration, transportation, hotel and housing accommodations.